A re-elected member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has signified the intention to contest the speakership position of the lower legislative chamber.
Jibrin said he is more than qualified for the top position.
Jibrin, who chairs the House Committee on Finance, said the need to help deepen the change that has taken hold of the political space motivated him.
While congratulating President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, for his success at the poll, he also commended President Goodluck Jonathan “for the gracious act of conceding defeat and accepting the results”.
He described the 2015 election as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political development “as it marks the very first time an opposition candidate will defeat an incumbent”.
He paid tribute to past speakers of the House of Representatives for “their worthy legacies”, which he said will provide guiding light for him if elected as speaker.
He said his background and educational experience have given him a grassroots knowledge of Nigeria’s complexities and challenges.
According to him, the committee he currently chairs in the lower chamber “has given me a deep knowledge of the public finance and economy of Nigeria. It is precisely such depth of experience that a Speaker must possess, at this critical time when Nigeria requires deep and far-reaching economic reform to weather the turmoil of declining global oil prices.”
Jibrin said under his leadership, the House has recorded remarkable achievements as “we have raised the bar of oversight over the Nigerian economy, improvement of the quality of Medium Term Expenditure Framework analysis and national revenue framework preparation and monitoring among others”.
The young politician said he would ensure transparency in the discharge of his duty.
He said: “Part of the idea is to initiate e-parliament where Nigerians will easily follow legislative activities.
“We shall pursue the independence of legislature and improved relationship with other arms of government with vigour.
“There will be a conscious effort to build a stronger reputation for the parliament by maintaining a robust independence, while working towards a better relationship with the other arms of government.
“We shall build the capacity of members, increase the productivity and cost effectiveness of managing the House.
“There is no doubt that the House boasts a lot of brilliant members.
“We shall introduce a programme of quarterly presentation for each member in order for them to update the public on their activities.
“The presentations will be collapsed into a hand booklet with an e-copy available online, that will provide information on the activities of members to the general public.
“Knowledge of legislative work and procedure is the key to effective performance of a legislator.
“Experienced former members of the House will be invited to train members in a specially designed mentorship programme.”
Jibrin said he would seek audience with stakeholders in the country to further advocate his candidature
Apart from the Finance Committee he oversees, Dr. Jibrin is a member of House Committees on Foreign Affairs, Gas, Electoral Matters, Youth Development and Special Duties.
Prior to entering politics, Jibrin was a successful businessman, university lecturer and philanthropist.
He was Managing Director and subsequently the Chairman/CEO Green Forest Group Limited, with subsidiaries in Energy, Property Development, Investment, Agriculture, Construction and Engineering.
He was also Chairman (Nigeria) of Turkish Construction giant, Tasyapi.
Jibrin holds a Bachelors in Political Science, Masters in International Affairs & Diplomacy, PhD in International Relations from University of Abuja, Nigeria and MBA from Swiss Business School, Zurich, Switzerland.
In addition, he holds SEP and PLD from the London Business School and Harvard Business School.
He has received numerous fellowships and awards both nationally and internationally for his contributions and achievements in various fields.
Born September 9, 1976, Abdulmumin Jibrin hails from Kofa, Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State.